Cecil Sharp wrote to church clergy around the country in his research of morris dancing traditions in 1912. In reply, Rev. Carus Vane Collier states, in a letter to Cecil Sharp, that sword dancers appeared at Christmas time during his time as a curate in Great Ayton (1895-1899).

Letter written to church clergy around Britain by Cecil Sharp

Later attempts in 1912 and 1917 were instigated by miners from North Skelton who moved to Great Ayton.